ANAHEIM, Calif. – For the first time since he became one of the world’s elite goaltenders, Martin Brodeur isn’t looking ahead to the Winter Olympics.

It is almost certain that the Devils’ 41-year-old goalie will not be going to Sochi, Russia, with Team Canada, and the two-time Olympic gold medalist has come to terms with the knowledge that his time has passed.

“I’ve put kind of an ‘X’ on it in my head after not being invited to camp in the summer,” said Brodeur, who will be in goal Wednesday night at Honda Center against the Ducks.

“Even though they put me on the long list, I feel it’s time for them to have a younger goalie. If I’m asked to go, I’m probably not going to say no. It’s a great honor to represent your country. I just don’t expect it, regardless of the way I play.”

Devils teammate Cory Schneider, on the other hand, is hoping his time has arrived for earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic squad.

“It crosses your mind a little bit. I’m also trying to play games here and play well,” said Schneider, who is expected to face the Los Angeles Kings Thursday night at Staples Center. “I’m more worried about getting some wins for this team than what it means for me for the Olympics.

“But again, it’s coming up and it’s something that would be really special. I don’t think you realize the impact of saying you’re an Olympic athlete until it happens. That would be a pretty amazing thing. I’m kind of hoping they go hand in hand. If I can play more here and get some wins and play well heading into the announcement of the (U.S.) team, maybe I’ll get a look.”

Schneider is among a deep group of American goalies that includes Jonathan Quick, Ryan Miller, Jimmy Howard and Craig Anderson. Team USA will be announced Jan. 1 at the Winter Classic.

“Look at the depth of goaltending on the American team. There are maybe a couple of guys that are ahead of the pack. There are five or six guys who could make the team,” Schneider said. “To be thought of among the top three or a guy that can help your country win a gold medal is about the highest honor you can get.

“If I make it as the third guy and all I get to do is practice, it’ll still be worth it and an amazing experience. I’m hoping to make it and do what I can to help, but if I’m just there I’ll make the most of it.”

Brodeur is playing extremely well, but he doesn’t think stats will be a factor.

“Everybody is in a different situation with their (NHL) teams, so I don’t think personal records like goals-against has anything to do with it. The scouts, the people who make the decision on the team, will see how you are playing.

“They have the pick of the litter. (Mike) Smith is playing really well. (Marc-Andre) Fleury is having a good year. (Carey) Price is having a good year. (Roberto) Luongo is having a good year. Nobody is injured yet.”

Brodeur won the gold in 2002 at Salt Lake City. He won another in 2010 in Vancouver, but was benched in favor of Luongo after losing to the U.S.

“Luongo is the guy that needs to be in there,” Brodeur said. “He’s having a good season so far. He’s got to keep it up. He’s the one that brought gold to Canada last time. He should have that chance to do it again.

“I know what having expectations is like. I sat behind Patrick (Roy) and I sat behind Cujo (Curtis Joseph) waiting for the opportunity. For four or five years Luongo has been sitting beside me waiting for that opportunity and he got it. It’s a cycle you have in international hockey with your players. Especially in the goalie position. When you don’t win, they’re going to move you. It’s win at all costs.”

Will there be sadness for Brodeur?

“No. When I got pulled in the Olympics in 2010, for me that was almost the end of it. I was prepared for it,” he said. “I had a pretty good run. I was the No. 1 goalie from 2002 to 2010. That’s eight years of being the top goalie in your country. That’s pretty impressive. There aren’t many guys that can say that.”